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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » What is photosynthesis?

    What is photosynthesis?

    April 28, 2020 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Green plants make sugar for growth by a process called photosynthesis, which means making things with light.

    Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of glucose.

    The glucose molecules created by photosynthesis act as fuel for cells and are used for cellular respiration and fermentation.

    Carbon dioxide + water  (and light ) ———> glucose and oxygen

    Photosynthesis Diagram showing products in and out

    Where does photosynthesis happen?

    Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplast cells which contain a substance called chlorophyll. It is chlorophyll which gives plants their green colour.

    Chloroplasts are one of the organelles in a plant cell. We made a jelly model of plant cell to learn about organelles and plant cell structure.

    edible plant cell model made with jelly and sweets

    Sunlight is also needed to make chlorophyll. If plants are kept in the dark, they can’t make chlorophyll and will have yellow leaves! You can see this in our multicoloured cress caterpillar.

    What affects the rate of photosynthesis

    Four factors affect the rate of photosynthesis. The faster it occurs, the more the plant grows.

    Light – the more light there is, the faster photosynthesis occurs.

    Water – lack of water slows photosynthesis down.

    Temperature – photosynthesis works best at around 30 degrees Celsius.

    Levels of carbon dioxide – photosynthesis is faster if there is more carbon dioxide in the air.

    Plants make the energy to grow through a process called respiration. This uses the sugar produced by photosynthesis and oxygen.

    How are leaves adapted for photosynthesis?

    Leaves are green as they contain lots of chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight.

    They are thin and have a large surface area. This means they can absorb a lot of sunlight, and gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass in and out of the leaf easily.

    Leaves have veins – xylem and phloem, which transport water, minerals and sugars around the plant.

    Do only plants photosynthesise?

    No!

    Plants, algae, and some types of bacteria use photosynthesis to create energy.

    What is chlorophyll?

    Chlorophyll is a green pigment which absorbs energy from blue and red light waves and reflects green light waves, which is why plants look green! Chlorophyll is found in an organelle called a chloroplast. This is where photosynthesis occurs.

    Plant cell diagram with labelled organelles

    Why is photosynthesis important?

    As well as allowing plants to make energy for growth and repair, photosynthesis has an important ecological impact.

    Plants incorporate the carbon from carbon dioxide into organic molecules ( carbon fixation ). This creates a source of carbon for animals who cannot create their own and also removes carbon dioxide from the air, slowing down the rate at which it builds up in the atmosphere.

    Photosynthesis also creates oxygen which is needed for most of the life on Earth!

    What is photosynthesis? find out how plants make energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water #plantscienceforkids

    Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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